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Published on: January 17, 2011
Retention of knowledge of the Paediatric Life Support guidelines
Mansoor Ahmed1, Bharathi Pai, Tim Reynolds
1Department of Paediatrics, Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Queen's Hospital, United Kingdom. mansoor.ahmed@burtonh-tr.wmids.nhs.uk
Insights
Paediatric Life Support (PLS) courses improve knowledge of paediatric resuscitation. However, retention of updated guidelines among junior doctors requires regular reinforcement through formal updates and practice drills.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Medical Education
- Resuscitation Science
Background:
- Paediatric Life Support (PLS) and Newborn Life Support (NLS) guidelines were updated in 2005.
- PLS courses aim to enhance paediatric resuscitation knowledge across professional groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the retention and awareness of updated Paediatric Life Support guidelines among junior paediatric doctors.
- To assess the impact of recent guideline changes on junior doctors' knowledge.
Main Methods:
- A telephonic survey was conducted among 100 junior paediatric doctors.
- Knowledge retention and awareness of 2005 PLS/NLS guideline updates were assessed.
Main Results:
- Doctors attending PLS courses after 2005 demonstrated higher knowledge scores.
- Second on-call doctors tended to score higher than first on-call doctors, though not statistically significant (p=0.062).
Conclusions:
- Regular, formalized updates and in-house emergency scenario rehearsals are necessary for maintaining guideline knowledge.
- Continuous medical education strategies are crucial for ensuring up-to-date paediatric resuscitation skills.
Abstract:
Paediatric Life Support (PLS) courses are thought to significantly increase knowledge of paediatric resuscitation for all professional groups. PLS and Newborn Life Support (NLS) guidelines were revised and updated in 2005. In a telephonic survey, the retention and awareness of the changes in PLS guidelines were evaluated among 100 junior paediatric doctors. Overall, second on-call doctors tended to score higher than the first on-call doctors (score 6.55 ± 2.25 vs. 5.89 ± 2.17 respectively, p = 0.062). Doctors who attended PLS courses after 2005 tended to have higher scores. There is a need to streamline formalised regular updates (e.g. annual online written multiple choice questions) and in-house rehearsals using mock emergency scenarios at local, regional and national level.
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